San Diego County Fair Canceled For 2020: Coronavirus

DEL MAR, CA — The 2020 San Diego County Fair has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The decision to cancel this year's fair was made following a unanimous vote by the 22nd District Agricultural Association Board of Directors, which oversees the state-owned Del Mar Fairgrounds.

"The health and safety of our community takes precedence during this unprecedented time of crisis," Del Mar Fairgrounds CEO and general manager Tim Fennell said.

"The San Diego County Fair is a beloved family tradition for more than 1.5 million San Diegans each year, as well as a source of livelihood for numerous individuals and businesses. Yet with the continued impacts of COVID-19, postponing this year's fair is the right thing to do."

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A statement from the fair's organizers indicated that Gov. Gavin Newsom's news conference Tuesday played a major role in the fair's cancellation, as "mass gatherings are not likely to be allowed for the foreseeable future."

The annual fair was slated June 5 through July 5. The superhero theme was "Heroes, Unite!"

"The fair's theme couldn't be more relevant," the statement read. "Now, more than ever, we're acutely aware that some of our very greatest heroes walk among us. We are so thankful to the health care workers and first responders who are keeping our communities safe, the teachers who keep our children learning and the countless community heroes who are going to extraordinary efforts to help others during this great time of need."

The "Heroes, Unite!" theme will be carried over to the 2021 fair.

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Patch editor Kristina Houck and City News Service contributed to this report.